In what ways do boys’ and girls’ games differ? How do these difference encourage different communication rules?

Question

What will be an ideal response?

Answer 1

ANS: Boys’ games usually involve fairly large groups and are competitive, have clear goals, involve physically rough play in large spaces, and are organized by rules and roles that specify who does what and how to play. Girls’ games tend to focused on pairs or small groups rather than large ones. Their games do not have preset, clear-cut goals and roles. When playing, young girls tend to spend more time talking than doing anything else, using that talk to decide what to do and what roles to play.

Because boys do not have to figure out the rules of the game, there is limited need to discuss how to play. They learn to communicate to accomplish goals, compete for and maintain status, exert control over others, get attention, and stand out. This is based around the fact that their games are competitive and have a clear winner.

Because girls talk much more and have to figure out the rules of the game, their communication is cooperative rather than competitive. These games require them to develop interpersonal communication skills that teach them to be egalitarian and inclusive in their talk.